Overview
Glebionis coronaria is an annual in the daisy family, growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall on erect, branching, somewhat fleshy stems. The bright green leaves are 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, twice pinnately lobed into narrow segments, and release an aromatic scent when crushed. From early summer the stems carry daisy-type flower heads 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across, with yellow centres and ray florets that are wholly yellow or yellow with white-tipped ends. The plant grows quickly from seed, flowers within a few months, sets dry seed, and dies within one season. It is widely cultivated in East Asian cooking as a leafy vegetable, where the young shoots and leaves are harvested before flowering. Bolting comes on fast in heat and long days, after which the leaves turn bitter and coarse. The species self-sows freely and has naturalised on roadsides, field margins, and waste ground across the Mediterranean, Asia, and beyond. It tolerates a range of soils but needs steady moisture for tender leaf growth.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe and North Africa. It has naturalised widely across temperate and subtropical Asia, Australia, and the Americas on disturbed ground, field edges, and roadsides.Suggested Uses
Grown as a leaf vegetable in kitchen gardens and containers, where the young shoots are harvested for stir-fries and soups. It also suits annual borders and pollinator plantings, the open flower heads drawing bees and hoverflies. Quick growth makes it a frequent filler between slower crops.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Performs in full sun to light shade in moist, free-draining soil at a pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Steady moisture keeps the leaves tender for harvest, while dry spells and high heat trigger early bolting. Seed germinates within one to two weeks in warm soil and plants reach harvest size in five to seven weeks. As an annual, it needs no winter care and completes its cycle in a single season. Repeat sowings every few weeks extend the leaf harvest through the cooler parts of the season. Rich soil supports fast, leafy growth.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Pinching or cutting the shoot tips encourages branching and prolongs leaf production before flowering. Removing flower heads before seed set limits self-sowing into nearby beds.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons